Ferrari Developing V12 Hybrid, Downsized V6s Possible

Ferrari Developing V12 Hybrid, Downsized V6s Possible

Even supercar makers take the environment into account when designing a car these days.

Modern Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches have to meet the same regulations as regular passenger cars, even if ultimately they still use more gasoline and pump out more emissions.

Ferrari is hoping to cut its gas guzzling ways further by developing a hybrid system for its future V12 engines, reports Autocar.

V12s are an integral part of Ferrari's heritage, and many were worried that emissions regulations would mean the death of the iconic cylinder layout, which has seen service in everything from the classic race cars of old to the modern Ferrari FF and F12.

The hybrid system would allow the Italian marque to keep making the V12, not only potentially increasing its power, but to save energy, reduce fuel use and cut down on emissions.

Ferrari boss Amadeo Felisa told Autocar “I’m not saying when, but it is possible that this technology will be on all Ferraris. It has been designed to fit all our future architecture, and if we go ahead it will be fitted as standard. It is not the sort of thing you offer as an option.”

The first production Ferrari hybrid V12 is likely to be seen in the mid-engined successor to the Enzo hypercar.

To further reduce emissions, Ferrari is now looking at downsized V6 engines. Future Formula 1 regulations will see a move to V6 units, so the racing tie-in gives Ferrari the perfect opportunity to downsize. The last Ferrari V6 road car was the Dino 246GT, which ended production in 1974.

Felisa admitted that V6s may be some time away, but notes that even attitudes in the U.S. are changing to accept vehicles with fewer than 8 cylinders.